Colby felt the pressure of the situation in his hands, knowing its power could change everything with a single wish. But Nate's warning and past torment weighed heavy on his mind. He knew rushing into things could have dire consequences.
As Colby pondered carefully, Nate watched with bovine eyes full of concern. The minotaur longed to console his old friend, yet feared the lamp's magic. But as Nate seeing Colby made no wish and nothing changed, Nate let out a relieved snort. He decided to take a chance and approach Colby. He slowly clopped forward on hooved feet, trying not to startle anything.
Just as Nate was getting closer to Colby, he suddenly felt something. An all-too-familiar unease rippled through his bull-like frame. His minotaur ears twitched, picking up an unseen threat. In the heavy quiet, only Nate's labored breathing could be heard as his nostrils flared, searching for clues. But then his keen ears detected other sounds - multiple footsteps echoing down the left corridor. Two sets were deep and pounding, while one tread seemed lighter. Steadily the noises grew louder, signaling intruders' imminent arrival.
Nate let out a booming warning bellow and shoved Colby behind his towering bulk. Caught off guard, Colby stumbled but managed to brace himself against Nate's powerful push. In the confusion, he almost dropped the lamp but clung tight.
Colby wanted to complain to Nate, but he changed his mind when he saw the minotaur's expression filled with anger and caution. His furrowed brow and darting eyes scanned the area diligently. Nate's nostrils flared as he sniffed the air, the froth forming at his lips betraying his nervousness. Behind him, his tail lashed back and forth anxiously.
A memory that happened at an unknown time emerges and Colby recognized this was Nate's demeanor when danger loomed. Protective yet alert, ready to defend his small friend with all his fearsome strength. Colby placed a reassuring hand on Nate's thigh, letting him know his backup had arrived.
Peeking around Nate's bulky thigh, Colby spied a shield gleaming silvery-white in the darkness. Its special design belonged unmistakably to Cebriones, his former team's stalwart shield-brother.
Stepping into view, the hulking warrior filled the chamber in plate armor polished to a mirror shine. Cebriones was a mountain of muscle and might beneath. Though his battle-hardened features and shorn scalp were obscured by his close-fitting helm, Colby knew those resolute eyes.
Behind him emerged Tiberius, priest of the sun god. Polished rose-gold mail glimmered ethereally in the torchlight off his athlete form and fair beard. A sunburst holy symbol at his throat exuded hope, as his oak staff crowned with a golden sun. Warmth and pride lit his smile at the alliance.
The last, slightly delayed entry is Ambrus, rogue of the group. His dark leather armor granted stealth, while wrist-sheathed daggers promised trickery. A cunning smirk played beneath his scruffy goatee as his ever-ready crossbow cradled promises of swift strikes. Wits, wiles and deadliness were his domains.
To the team, Nate was a fearsome monster - the last obstacle to their wealthy future. While to Nate, the armed intruders meant danger to him and his friend, Colby. With no way to understand each other, tension mounted heavier than the plate on Cebriones' shoulders. Both let out a challenging battle cry that shook the chamber's stones.